Laminate Flooring History

When the word “Formica” is mentioned, some people automatically think of laminate and in turn may also think that laminate is Formica. Formica was indeed a laminate countertop that was named after its manufacturer. Today’s laminates, which are manufactured by fusing together different layers of material, go well beyond the kitchen countertops of the ’70s.

The laminate wood flooring that homeowners are familiar with was invented by Perstorp AB Holdings, who marketed this flooring material under the name “Pergo” starting in 1984. Simply put, the simple type decorative laminate used for kitchen countertops was brought to living room floors. Pergo floors were a significant European innovation, and they became very popular upon being introducted to North America in 1984, even though glue was required for installation. By 2004, over 250 million square meters of laminate flooring were sold worldwide according to the European Producers of Laminate Flooring.

Between 2000 and 2005, the glueless click-lock installation method was introduced along with the technology of “embossed and registered” which enabled the production of exact hardwood replicates, and laminate flooring manufacturing began in the United States. These developments helped spur the increase in laminate flooring sales. Besides Pergo, consumers can now purchase laminate flooring manufactured by Mannington, Shaw, Mohawk, Quick-Step, Wilsonart, and many other companies.

Laminate flooring remains a popular choice for millions of consumers today. Laminates are durable, beautiful, easy to install, and environmentally friendly, and they are still more affordable than most other types of flooring. The glueless click-lock installation method makes it easy for homeowners to install this flooring themselves, making it a great DIY project.